Police Academy Graduate

Police Station , California United States Posted: Jul 04, 2025 Police Officer Academy Graduate The City of Placentia is now recruiting for the position of Police Officer Academy Graduate. This recruitment will remain open continuously and may close at any time without advance notice. An eligibility list will be created from this recruitment to fill vacancies as they occur.

DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Police Sergeant, the Police Officer patrols an assigned area, enforces public safety laws, codes, and regulations, maintains order, prevents, detects, and investigates crime, responds to emergencies and calls for service, carries out special assignments in the protection of life and property, and performs other related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Positions in this class are distinguished from the Police Sergeant, who serves as a first‑line supervisor and has responsibility for the development, coordination, and evaluation of sworn personnel that are part of a work shift or section. Police officers may be assigned to special assignments such as motor, traffic, K‑9, detective, SWAT, field training officer, jail, bike team, VIP handling, reserves, and similar details.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Enforces federal, state, county, and city laws, regulations, and ordinances related to public safety and law enforcement. Patrols an assigned area of the city, in a patrol vehicle or on foot, in order to detect and prevent crime and maintain law and order; may operate a motorcycle or bicycle as part of a special assignment detail. Gives verbal warnings and prepares citations, arrest reports, crime reports, daily observation reports, vehicular incident and pursuit forms, injury reports, collision reports, and impounded property reports. Responds to radio messages and citizen requests for protection of life and property and public assistance and appears at crime and scenes of disorder and determines proper course of action; investigates suspicious vehicles or persons; observes situations related to stolen cars, traffic violations, and proper flow of traffic. Inspects premises at night and on other shifts; assists in the investigation of crimes; conducts preliminary investigations of disturbances, burglaries, thefts, armed robberies, vehicle accidents, deaths, or other types of incidents involving possible violations of public safety laws and codes. Questions suspects, interviews victims and witnesses; books property and evidence; performs basic crime scene investigation; testifies in court regarding facts, circumstances, and violations; completes field and follow‑up investigations. Takes written statements; examines conditions of accident scenes; clears scene of obstructions and damaged vehicles; notes and reports traffic hazards; provides first aid for injured persons or requests medical attention in accordance with departmental procedures. Reports abandoned or damaged vehicles; inspects establishments providing alcoholic beverages and entertainment, and other public gatherings and assures that proper licenses and permits are in effect. Intervenes in private or public disputes to protect the public and maintain order; supervises arrestees; and monitors the status of parolees and individuals on probation status, including court orders. Participates in police briefings, exercises, training courses, and programs. When assigned to Reserves Detail, tracks and coordinates the scheduling and training of reserve police officers. When assigned to Traffic Detail, enforces specialized Traffic and Motor Vehicle Codes and prepares traffic and collision reports and investigation records; sets up DUI monitoring; coordinates work with Department of Motor Vehicles and Courts; attends meetings, prepares logs, and makes presentations. When assigned to Field Training Officer Detail, organizes, coordinates, and provides officer training in the field related to proper law enforcement surveillance, handling of traffic stops, preparation of departmental reports, and related tasks; completes training records and employee progress reports at regular intervals. Receives, searches, books, fingerprints, and takes custody of prisoners; guards and transports prisoners; provides meals and completes daily records. When assigned to K‑9 detail, also assists in searches of suspects and properties; trains animals and conducts exercises in proper pursuit and control methods; feeds and maintains animals in accordance with health and safety standards and prepares related activity records. When assigned to Detective Detail, conducts crime scene investigations and pursues cases involving the collection of additional evidence, identification and interviewing of victims and suspects, and prosecution of cases within the Court system; conducts covert patrol; writes and executes search warrants; coordinates property and evidence collection with police support staff; and testifies in cases. When assigned to SWAT Detail, responds to emergency calls involving hostages, barricaded suspects, suicide threats, bomb threats, deadly use of force, high‑risk search and arrest warrant service, and related incidents involving public safety. When assigned to Gang Detail, monitors and investigates associations of individuals who belong to known gangs; determines means of gaining access and information from informants related to actual or planned crimes; and testifies in cases. When assigned to School Resource Detail, visits public schools, prepares and makes educational presentations, maintains communications with school officials, works with district staff on attendance and truancy issues, and counsels students related to lawful conduct and community standards and expectations. Provides escorts or guard services for parades, various public activities, or meetings.

OTHER DUTIES

Performs other related duties as assigned for ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit and the City.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

LICENSE(S) REQUIRED

Valid, current driver’s license.

CERTIFICATIONS AND TESTING REQUIRED

BASIC Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST) certificate. For specialty assignments, completion of all required training and certification related to the special position assignment is required. Certification in protective and lifesaving equipment. First aid and CPR certification.

ADDITIONAL CRITERIA

No more than 20/100 uncorrected and 20/30 corrected vision with freedom from uncorrectable color blindness. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Must be 21 years of age or older at time of appointment. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law. Must be of good character and reputation. May undergo a psychological assessment by a qualified professional to determine suitability. Will be administered an integrity test and a polygraph examination. Will undergo a comprehensive, P.O.S.T. approved Background Investigation. Will be fingerprinted and records checked in both State and Federal Bureaus. Must not have a record of conviction of a serious offense, or numerous convictions of minor offenses. Credit rating, if established, must be satisfactory.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

Frequently works in outside weather conditions and in a patrol unit and may operate specialized equipment when assigned to patrol. Exposure to extreme heat, smoke, dust, fumes, and inclement weather, as well as loud noises such as, but not limited to, sirens, alarms, and diesel engines. Use of safety helmets, armored vests, earplugs, utility belts, and other specialized equipment. Subject to threat of injury and life‑threatening hazards as part of police safety operations. Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls. Reach with hands and arms. Climb or scale walls, ladders, or steps; carry police safety gear. Stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, squat, or crawl, as well as walk, sit, and run. Talking, hearing, and using smell. Pull and carry persons in emergency situations, administer first aid, and fight in self‑defense. Grasp and carry power and hand tools, and lift, carry, and move persons, equipment, and push, pull, or drag objects weighing up to 100 pounds or more. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Applicants must attach their POST Basic Academy certification to be considered. P.O.S.T. Written Examination (PELLETB) with a T‑Score of 45 or higher. Applicants who have written the PELLETB with another agency in the last year and received a T‑score of 45 or higher may be eligible to waive this exam by attaching proof of the score. Physical Agility Test. Oral Interview. P.O.S.T. Background Investigation.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Placentia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, political or religious affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or other non‑job related physical or mental disability, medical condition, or functional limitation in employment or the provision of service. The City is committed to making its programs, services, and activities accessible to individuals with qualified disabilities. A probationary conditional job offer will only be made after a background check in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act. Benefits Retirement – PERS 3% at 50 CalPERS with a 9% employee contribution (classic); 2.7% at 57 CalPERS with a 11.5% employee contribution (new members). The City of Placentia does not participate in Social Security. Health Insurance – The City provides up to $2,076 per month to purchase health insurance through the CalPERS Health Benefits program. Dental & Vision Insurance – Fully paid plan for dental and vision insurance. Life Insurance – Fully paid life insurance policy of $50,000. Additional life insurance may be purchased with the employee paying for the premium. Disability Insurance – Fully paid short‑term and long‑term disability insurance policies. Flexible Spending Account – Employees may contribute to a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account on a voluntary basis. Deferred Compensation – Employees may contribute to a deferred compensation plan on a voluntary basis. Holidays – 12 paid holidays per year. Paid Time Off (Vacation) – Accrual rate of 80 hours per year. Alternative Health & Wellness (Sick Leave) – 96 hours per year; program includes an incentive of up to $1,250 per fiscal year. Assignment Pay – An additional 5% is paid for Canine Officer, Detective, Field Training Officer, Motor/Traffic, and School Resource Officer. Bilingual Pay – An additional pay of $165 per month or $250 for advanced. P.O.S.T/Educational Incentive – For those who possess P.O.S.T. Certificates; an additional 2.5% for Basic P.O.S.T., 4.5% for intermediate P.O.S.T./AA., and 7% for Advanced P.O.S.T./B.A. Shift Differential Pay – For night watch, an additional pay of 2.5%. Marksmanship Incentive – $100/$150 per year available. Range Staff – Those assigned to Range Staff are eligible for an additional 2.5%. Finder's Fee – Upon successful completion of the FTO program both the employee who referred and the new Police Officer will each receive $1,000. Educational Tuition Reimbursement – Available upon request and approval. Holiday Closure – The City Hall and most City Services observe a holiday closure annually for two weeks at the end of December/beginning of January, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day (paid time off varies per year, assignment and Bargaining Unit; City will provide additional holiday hours during this closure period.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Mission Statement: The City Council is committed to keeping Placentia a pleasant place by providing a safe family atmosphere, superior public services and policies that promote the highest standards of community life. Vision Statement: The City of Placentia will maintain an open, honest, responsive and innovative government that delivers quality services in a fair and equitable manner while optimizing available resources. #J-18808-Ljbffr Careers In Government